At $7,764/yr net price, Quinsigamond Community College graduates earn $45,949/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,949/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,764 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,949/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,949/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,575 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,050/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,169/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,033/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,324/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,516 | $20,479 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $56,415 | $21,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | $21,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $41,565 | $14,415 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $37,568 | $14,904 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,685 | $13,708 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $29,685 | $20,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,141 | $15,298 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $28,055 | $19,235 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $24,201 | $16,492 |
The Risk Factor
20.8% of students at Quinsigamond Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Quinsigamond Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but disappointing outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,516 annually, making the $20,479 in debt manageable within Worcester's healthcare job market.
Dental support services and allied health diagnostics also produce solid earnings above $50,000, justifying their slightly higher debt loads. These healthcare tracks benefit from high demand in central Massachusetts hospitals and medical facilities.
Business programs tell a different story. General business graduates earn just $37,568 with nearly $15,000 in debt, while business administration fares only slightly better at $41,565. Given Worcester's limited corporate presence, these programs struggle to deliver meaningful wage premiums over high school earnings.
The school's 21% graduation rate creates significant risk. Four out of five students never finish their programs, often leaving with debt but no credential. This makes program selection critical since dropout risk remains high regardless of your major.
You should consider Quinsigamond if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation to avoid the dropout trap. The low net price of $7,764 makes healthcare training accessible, and local hospitals actively recruit graduates.
Skip this school if you want business training or lack clear healthcare career goals. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings in non-healthcare fields creates poor value. Worcester's community college works best as affordable healthcare workforce training, not general education or business preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quinsigamond Community College worth the cost?
Quinsigamond Community College offers strong value for students who complete nursing and healthcare programs, with graduates earning $52,000-$61,000 annually. However, the 20% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and business program graduates earn modest salaries around $37,000-$41,000.
What programs at Quinsigamond Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Quinsigamond Community College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning over $61,000 annually. Dental support and allied health programs also pay well at $52,000-$56,000, while business programs offer lower returns around $37,000-$41,000.
How much debt do Quinsigamond Community College students typically graduate with?
Students who borrow at Quinsigamond Community College graduate with a median debt of $16,575. This is manageable for nursing and healthcare graduates but may be harder to repay for business program graduates earning lower salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Quinsigamond Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate from Quinsigamond Community College within normal time frames. This low completion rate means many students leave without a degree, making program selection and academic support critical for success.